Did you know that you’re supposed to start cleaning your kids’ gums before they even have teeth? Yeah, a few of us didn’t get that memo either. But around 6 months, you’re supposed to begin cleaning whatever your kid’s got: gums, chompers, their pink little tongue.

These silicone sleeves that you slip over your finger make the whole process a lot less….uh… gross, and a lot more effective thanks to supersoft bristles. Dentists encourage this practice because it massages the gums and clears away any bacteria so that when teeth do come in, they aren’t met with anything gnarly on the surface that could cause tooth decay down the line. Plus, cleaning your baby’s teeth daily gets them in the habit of making oral care a part of the everyday routine.

Will your child eventually discover that it’s hilariously fun to bite your finger and make you scream? You betcha. It’s all part of the adventure. Oh and we also love that it’s made from 100% food-grade, toxic-free, BPA-free, FDA-approved, silicone material.

These are EVERYTHING so you need to stash them in both your kitchen and diaper bag. Babies are generally ready for these around 6+ months (readiness = crawling without their tummy touching the ground, ability to mash food with their gums, and dexterity to pick up these bad boys with the pincer grip). They’re a super no-maintenance and portable snack that doubles as an activity and learning tool; baby gets to work on tactility, fine motor skills, and, well, chewing and swallowing. A food and a toy and a sport and a diversion rolled into one… and one that might even let you sit and sip a cup of coffee? Brilliance.

Here’s another holy grail item for all parents to keep in their back pockets — except not literally ‘cause that would be messy (diaper bag and pantry is best). These pouches are a great first food for the littlest ones as well as a savior for your older toddler who doesn’t eat fruits or veggies — and everyone in between.

Fruit and veggie mixes are staged 1 through 3 for different age groups – and the mixes get more “sophisticated” as baby gets older with the introduction of grain options (quinoa, anyone?).

To like: USDA certified organic, non-GMO ingredients; No artificial flavors or artificial sweeteners; 100% BPA-free packaging and child safe, recyclable cap. And, no, you’re not the only one – everyone knows adults like to eat them too. In private.

Once baby is around 6 months old, it’s really nice to have this all-star piece of baby gear. Just stick her in the seat and she can stand with support — while working to strengthen her legs, back and neck muscles — and feast on colorful gadgets for 360 degrees around to explore cause and effect, fine motor skills, and bearing weight. FYI it’s still best for baby’s physical development to be on the floor as much as possible, but the exersaucer is your BFF when you need to prep a meal or send some emails. Hot tip: ask your caretakers to steer clear of using it with baby so you can save its use for yourself. Sitter’s gotta earn her hours!

A little like an exersaucer in terms of games and excitement, but free-standing, so babies 6m+ can crawl on up to it and play around its perimeter — like a swim-up bar. This one is music-themed replete with satisfying-to-plunk piano keys, and you can switch between three languages (English, Spanish, French). Oui Oui.

There aren’t too many pieces of gear you need when you’re pregnant, but this one is so worth it. What’s more valuable than a night of sleep? This high density pillow provides support for back, belly and legs. When it’s time to start side-sleeping, this pillow is the thing that makes it all possible. You may even keep it around after you have your baby. (Sorry, hubs.)

It’s moveable. It’s fold-up-able (and put-away-able). Need we say more? You can move baby’s crib from room to room as needed and stow it away altogether when you want to adultify the place. Plus it’s a good price – and from a reputable company. So, all the crib you’ll ever need.

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The What's Up Moms Gear Team provides unbiased picks for these products. We subjected ourselves to countless diaper pail smell tests, learned to wear every wrap on the market and lugged multiple travel cribs on family trips, all to recommend our favorite items to you. We do not get paid to include products in these reviews and only make money if you click "buy now." So do that. Please.